KPI Tracking Tips

You know tracking the numbers helps you make better decisions but everyone can improve their metrics measuring. Here are a few tips to help level up your KPI tracking habits.

Compete against yourself

When setting targets for your KPIs, aim for just a bit better than you’ve recently been doing. For example, if your email open rates have been at 17%, aim for 25% as your goal, even if your industry’s average says that 15% is the norm. Compete against yourself to energize your growth with your data. Don’t miss out because you settled for good enough.

Likewise, don’t be discouraged if you’re miles away from everyone else’s numbers. Set goals that push your own personal growth and break down that gap into achievable bites. Don’t try to jump across the river in one leap. Use stepping stones.

Own your own numbers

Every role and every person should be able to measure their success with KPIs. You should always have a clear definition of your finish line. With that in mind, always make sure you’re clear on which numbers in your area of ownership are important and what they’re telling you. Make sure your numbers mean something to you.

I don’t read KPI reports or review numbers on my own. I want my leaders to tell me their numbers and what they mean. If they’re behind targets, I need to hear that they understand why and what they will do about it. Exceeding expectations? I also want to hear why and what they’ll do to keep up the great work. The data isn’t mine to interpret. It’s ours to own, together.

Talk about them

Tracking your numbers is great. Adding them to a report is even better. The best results and successes happen when the numbers are discussed and shared with transparency and accountability within a team.

Talking about your numbers with a team increases personal ownership, buy-in, and accountability. It also raises the stakes for individuals who might not be prioritizing their KPI tracking as they should because slacking off can be seen by everyone on the team and no one wants to look bad in front of their peers.

Track your history

I commonly see reports and trackers that only look at the numbers as they exist right now, today, in relation to the target goal. Tracking growth and progress over time is how you identify trends, set seasonal expectations, and measure your rate of progress towards a goal. You won’t be able to predict your success timeline if you’re not keeping your eye on the speedometer.

No matter your stage of business or team size, use these tips to energize and activate your data within your organization. Not sure where to start? Reach out today and let’s talk.